Leadership in public health

Abstract Imagine that tomorrow you were suddenly appointed into a prominent health leader position in your country—as a Director of Department or perhaps even Minister of Health. Upon taking office, you are presented with the following urgent dilemmas by your chief advisers: How would you proceed to address these issues? Would you be able to think on your feet and respond promptly and effectively to the health needs of your populace? In other words, are you capable of being a public health leader? These questions are examined below as we explore the nature of leadership and the possibility of learning it.